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A World of Connection Close to Home: My Experience at the 23rd Annual James River Writers Conference 

In July, my fellow Story Street Writer, Margaret Speck Ogawa, wrote the article, “Get Inspired and Find Your People: Attend a Writers Conference.” After reading about her enriching experiences at events across the country, I decided to try a conference but stay in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Not that I don’t long to venture to locations in California and Hawaii (or plan to someday), but I wanted my first conference experience to introduce me to a larger network of local writers while still meeting people from other places. The 23rdAnnual James River Writers Conference at the Greater Richmond Convention Center was just the way for me to do that while learning more about craft and the writing industry.

Living up to its reputation as “the friendliest writers conference,” the James River Writers organizers hosted a preview Zoom call to break the ice and prepare attendees for the event. The hosts were gracious and informative while providing breakout sessions for writers to get to know one another in small groups. It was comforting to know ahead of time what to expect and that I’d run into at least a few familiar faces in the crowd.

The Friday before the in-person event began, online Master Classes were offered as premium add-ons. The nine options taught by authors, agents, editors, and other industry experts included instruction on character interiority, submission procedures, memoir, working with the media, writing sex scenes, querying, scene craft, and audience building. I took “Seeking Representation: Next Level Querying with Literary Agent Sera Rivers.” In a relaxed workshop atmosphere, Sera provided an example of an effective query letter, explained necessary query components, and shared excellent resources for agent research and interviews. I learned the value of treating a query letter like a manuscript, taking it through all the stages of drafting, soliciting peer reviews, and revising before sending it to an agent.

The next day, the conference opened with a warm welcome, and then the breakout sessions began. The options throughout both days were so enticing that selecting just one for each time slot was challenging. A few of my favorites are summarized below:

“Revise and Conquer: Get the Most out of your Manuscript”—Kate McKean, Heather Osborn, and Leslye Penelope discussed the revision process from both agent and author points of view and shared ways agents advocate for their clients through what might be a painful, tedious process. Agent Kate McKean expressed her desire to help authors get their work to the point that it’s “hard for editors to say no.” The panel provided advice on managing your emotions when receiving feedback, typical problems with manuscripts (e.g., starting in the wrong place, lack of conflict, etc.), and making a revision plan of attack.

“Query Letter Critiques”—Attendees could submit query letters before the conference. Agents Eloy Bleifuss, Heather Osborn, and Jade Wong-Baxter discussed the selections, offering guidance on what was working and what stopped them from “wanting to turn the page.” Though the bluntest (in the kindest of ways) of the sessions, “Query Letter Critiques” may have been the most helpful. For example, I now know not to use too many proper names in my query or begin with an obvious statement like, “I am seeking representation.”

“JRW Success Story: From Pitch to Publication”—Author Elizabeth Becker pitched agent Jessica Felleman at a previous James River Writers Conference, and their long-term author/agent relationship began. The two shared stories of navigating success and any challenges along the way. 

“First Pages Live Critiques”—Agents Jessica Felleman, Paloma Hernando, and Helen Masvikeni provided feedback on selected first pages. I was delighted by the diversity of manuscripts, the talented writing, and the agents’ honest, constructive commentary.

In addition to the variety of session choices, the conference offered book-signing opportunities, a genre networking lunch, and the coveted one-on-one meetings with agents. Though some writers used these short meetings to pitch, others saw their eight minutes as an opportunity to ask for guidance. Either way, the agents were approachable, generous, and wise. Some even requested pages and full manuscripts. 

Another conference highlight was meeting the keynote speaker and hearing her address, “How it Started and How It’s Going: Coming to Writing Later in Life with Angie Kim.” When the acclaimed author of Miracle Creek and Happiness Falls shared her publishing journey, it felt like talking to an old friend over coffee. She was funny and self-deprecating, yet confident, with an overall message to stay true to yourself. 

I achieved my initial goal of expanding my local writing network beyond expectations and am honored to be a new member of the James River Writers. My biggest takeaway from their unforgettable writing conference is that writers at all career stages experience similar doubts, fears, and obstacles, but have access to a widespread, supportive writing community and industry experts who want everyone to succeed. 

Please see the James River Writers website for information on their future conferences. You do not have to be a member or live locally to attend. 

Photo: Sharing the conference experience with writer Victoria Aracri DeRoche, my dear friend and cousin by marriage. We’ve been on our writing journey together since 1988!

Michele Alouf
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Michele Alouf

Michele Alouf is a founding member of Story Street Writers and holds an ALM in Creative Writing and Literature from Harvard. When she’s not working on her first novel, What Lies in Orange Skies, she can be found in her kitchen trying to cook, read, and balance in tree pose without getting burned. Her work is published in New World Writing Quarterly, Vestal Review, Gulf Stream Magazine, Bridge Eight, Drunk Monkeys, and other publications. Michele previously owned a yoga business and wrote for a local magazine. She has two grown children and lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, John, and her mini Goldendoodle, Coco "Mo."

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